The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment proposes that the Prime Minister approve a decision on environmental criteria for 47 investment projects eligible for green credit.
Accordingly, the Ministry suggests that organizations receiving green credit must have management systems and operational capacity that meet the National Standard TCVN ISO/IEC 17029:2020, the International Standard ISO/IEC 17029:2019, the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE 3000), or the International Standard on Sustainable Assurance Engagements (ISSA 5000). These are crucial conditions adopted by the European Union (EU), the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), and many countries to select qualified organizations for verifying investment projects listed under the Green Classification Catalogue.
The 47 types of investment projects are categorized into 7 sectors as follows: Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biodiversity Conservation (12); Environmental Services (9); Energy (9); Manufacturing and Processing Industry (8); Water Resources (4); Construction (3); Transportation (2)
The structure of the Green Classification Catalogue proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment aligns with international green classification catalogs and is linked to the specialized management sectors assigned to ministries and ministerial-level agencies. This facilitates monitoring, management, and policymaking.
Regarding verifying investment projects under the Green Classification Catalogue, the Ministry proposes that verification be conducted at the request of project investors or green bond issuers. It authorizes state agencies responsible for granting incentives and support for green credit and bonds to either self-organize the verification process or hire independent organizations that meet the required standards.
Suppose an investment project receiving green credit or issuing green bonds fails to maintain environmental criteria. In that case, the relevant agencies or organizations providing credit, managing bonds, and granting incentives or support for green credit and green bonds will handle loan repayments, bond proceeds, and incentives according to legal regulations.
Regarding green transition efforts, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has also proposed establishing a National Financial Fund to support green transition projects. According to the proposal, the government would set up the fund to provide preferential loans, guarantees, deposits, sponsorships, and financial support for energy-saving and efficient projects, including green and digital transformation initiatives. The government would regulate the fund's capital, drawing from the state budget, public and private resources, and external sources. The Prime Minister would decide on the fund's establishment, organization, and operations to promote energy-saving and efficiency.